Yes / No / Not Given (YNNG) questions in the IELTS Reading test often confuse students because they look very similar to True / False / Not Given questions.

However, the key difference is what you are evaluating.

Many candidates lose marks because they focus on facts instead of the writer’s opinion.

If you want to reach Band 7 in IELTS Reading, you must clearly understand how Yes / No / Not Given works.

If this question type is confusing you:

🎓IELTS Yes No Not Given: Quick Answer

In IELTS Reading:

NOT GIVEN → The writer does not express an opinion about the statement

These questions test your ability to understand the author’s views, beliefs, or claims.

🧠What Are Yes No Not Given Questions?

In this question type, you are given a statement and must decide whether it matches the writer’s opinion in the passage.

Example instruction:

Do the following statements agree with the views of the writer?

Write:

NOT GIVEN if it is impossible to say what the writer thinks

🎯Where Yes No Not Given Questions Appear

These questions appear primarily in IELTS Academic Reading, especially in passages that contain:

They are most commonly found in:

If you want to understand the structure of Academic vs General Reading, see:

🏅Difference Between Yes/No/Not Given and True/False/Not Given

This is the most important concept to understand.

Question Type

What You Evaluate

True / False / Not Given

Facts in the passage

Yes / No / Not Given

Writer's opinion

For a full strategy on TFNG questions, see:

💡Step-by-Step Strategy for Yes No Not Given

Follow this five-step method when answering these questions.

💼Step 1: Identify Opinion Keywords

Statements in YNNG questions often contain opinion indicators such as:

These words signal that you must analyse the writer’s viewpoint.

💼Step 2: Locate the Relevant Paragraph

Scan the passage to find where the topic is discussed.

Look for keywords and synonyms.

Example:

IELTS frequently uses paraphrasing instead of identical wording.

💼Step 3: Identify the Writer’s Opinion

Once you locate the relevant sentence, determine whether the writer:

The answer depends entirely on the writer's viewpoint.

💼Step 4: Identify If the Answer Is YES

The answer is YES when the writer clearly agrees with the statement.

Example:

Passage: Many researchers believe that online education improves access to learning opportunities.

Statement: The writer believes online education increases access to learning.

Answer: YES

💼Step 5: Identify If the Answer Is NO

The answer is NO when the writer clearly disagrees with the statement.

Example:

Passage: The author argues that social media reduces meaningful communication.

Statement: The writer believes social media improves communication.

Answer: NO

The statement contradicts the writer's opinion.

💼Step 6: Identify If the Answer Is NOT GIVEN

The answer is NOT GIVEN when the writer does not express an opinion about the statement.

Example:

Passage: The study analysed the growth of social media platforms over ten years.

Statement: The writer believes social media companies should be regulated.

Answer: NOT GIVEN

The passage does not mention the writer's opinion about regulation.

🏅Example IELTS Yes No Not Given Question

👉Passage Excerpt

Some experts argue that remote work increases productivity because employees experience fewer workplace distractions.

👉Statement

The writer believes remote work improves productivity.

👉Correct Answer

YES

Explanation:

The passage states that experts argue remote work increases productivity, which supports the statement.

⚡Common Mistakes in Yes No Not Given Questions

Many students lose marks because of predictable mistakes.

💼Mistake 1: Confusing Facts With Opinions

Always ask yourself:

Is the statement about a fact or the writer’s opinion?

If the question asks about views, focus on the writer’s perspective.

💼Mistake 2: Using Personal Knowledge

IELTS answers must come only from the passage.

Your personal opinion is irrelevant.

💼Mistake 3: Misinterpreting Neutral Statements

Sometimes the passage discusses a topic without giving a clear opinion.

In this case, the answer is Not Given.

🏅Advanced Tip: Watch for Opinion Signals

Writers often signal their opinions using phrases like:

These phrases indicate the writer’s viewpoint.

💡Time Management for Yes No Not Given

These questions require careful comparison but should not take too long.

Recommended timing:

If you cannot find clear evidence quickly, the answer is likely Not Given.

More timing strategies are explained here:

🔥Other Important IELTS Reading Question Types

To achieve Band 7 or higher, you must understand all IELTS Reading question formats.

These include:

Examples:

🚀Frequently Asked Questions

💼What is the difference between Yes/No/Not Given and True/False/Not Given?

True/False/Not Given evaluates factual information. Yes/No/Not Given evaluates the writer’s opinion or viewpoint.

💼Are Yes No Not Given questions common in IELTS?

Yes. They appear regularly in Academic Reading passages that include arguments or opinions.

💼How many Yes No Not Given questions appear in IELTS?

There is no fixed number, but you may see 3–6 questions in a passage.

💼How do I identify the writer’s opinion?

Look for phrases such as:

These words indicate the author's viewpoint.

💼What band score requires strong YNNG accuracy?

To reach Band 7 in IELTS Reading, you usually need around 30 correct answers out of 40, so accuracy in YNNG questions is essential.

💡Improve Your IELTS Reading Score Faster

Many students repeatedly practice IELTS Reading tests but do not analyse their mistakes properly.

An effective preparation system can help you:

Estimate your reading band score here:

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